On Friday, May 11th, 2018, Eastern Washington Adventures members met up at Red Saddle Trailhead at the Ahtanum State Forest to camp the weekend to attend the new ORV trail opening ceremony. The weather was warm. It was a nice night to camp.

Next everyone headed to the new trail off of the Ahtanum North Fork Road. The gate was opened, and we headed up hill to the gate at Jackass Road. There that gate was opened an the closed sign was replaced with a Pacific Northwest 4 Wheel Drive Association sign.

We headed up Jackass Road to above the old trail and waited for the rest of our group to join us. Next we convoyed up Jackass Road and part way though Ewe Neck where met up with some of the Ski Benders turning around due to of camber snow drifts. We talked with them away and then moved back down Jackass Road to the short cut. We headed down the North Fork Shortcut, up the North Fork and up Mclane Canyon to the Whites Ridge 4×4 Trail where we took a break. After the break, we headed up the Whites Ridge 4×4 Trail hitting patches of snow along the way. One long patch of snow, I got stuck due to my lockers were not working. Don pulled me out and took the lead. We went until the snow got deep on a steeper hill climb. We turned around and took a break at Make-out Point. After a short time we headed back to camp at Red Saddle Trailhead for the night.

Sunday was a very nice day. Everyone packed up. Kevin and Doug went for a ride, the rest us headed home.

On Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, my son Odo and I headed up to BBQ Flats at the Wenas Recreation Area to set up camp for the weekend camp out. Don & Ruth were already there when we pulled in. It was a very nice day to be in the mountains.

On Friday we did at Jeep run over Cleman Mountain to Mud Lake and back collecting camp fire wood. The other campers started pulling in about the time we got back.

On Saturday, May 5th, 2018, volunteers and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) met up at our camp for the clean up. There were many volunteers from Eastern Washington Adventures, Back Country Horsemen of Washington – Wenas Valley Chapter, Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, NW UTV Trail Riders, and others just wanting to make a difference too.

At 10 AM groups headed out. Two groups in 4×4 rigs headed out to replace Green Dot markers and pick up trash. There were many side-by-side groups picking up trash all across the area.

By 4:15 PM the last of the groups meet back up at BBQ Flats with the trash and tools for the DNR. It was a great work party.

The Eastern Washington Adventures Club had a Cinco de Mayo potluck dinner for whoever wanted to attend. Some had to head home after dinner and the rest relaxed around the campfire. We had to use pop-ups a few times to keep dry from the rain showers.

Sunday was a very nice day. Everyone packed up and headed home. We went home to rain.

This was a great time thanks to all who came out.

Here are some photos of the 2nd Annual EWA Wenas Recreation Area Clean Up & Camp Out:

Selah Sweets
makes handcrafted snacks, shaved ice, and has souvenirs.
Inside and outside seating at the shop. Off site catering.

Directions
Meet at BBQ Flats. From Highway I-82, take Exit 26. Turn right onto WA-821 North and left onto WA-823 South. In 2 miles turn right onto North Wenas Road. In 20 miles turn left onto Maloy Road and follow out to BBQ Flats. Please drive slowly on Maloy Road near the homes.

Camping information: A Discover Pass is required for all street licensed vehicles that are parked for camping. Everyone is welcome to camp at the Base Camp. Meet & Greets Friday and Saturday evenings.

On Thursday, May 4th, 2017, my son Doc and I headed up to BBQ Flats at the Wenas Recreation Area to set up camp for the weekend camp out. It was a very nice day to be in the mountains. That evening it started to sprinkle but it was warn enough to be out in t-shirts. Doc did some Pine-cone Golfing as I took photos of the cool rainbow. We sat under the pop-up with the propane campfire going into the night. Doc slept in the campervan with me since the tarp was not big enough to keep rain out of his tent. Lucky he did, because around 1 AM we had a thunder and lightening storm. It lasted around 40 minutes and then there was a heavy downpour.

On Saturday, May 6th, 2017, volunteers and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) met up at our camp for the clean up. At 9:30 AM groups headed out. Two groups in ORVs headed out to replace Green Dot markers and pick up trash. Selah Cub Scout Pack 276 headed out to pick up trash from BBQ Flats to and through Cascade Camp.

Around 3:30 PM all the groups meet back up at BBQ Flats with the trash and tools for the DNR to take back to the Ahtanum Guard Station.

The campers had dinner and enjoyed the campfire. The wind made it a cold night.

Sunday was a very nice day. Everyone packed up and headed home.

This was a great time takes to all who came out.

Here are some photos of the Wenas Recreation Area Camp Out & Clean Up:

The DNR staff talked about wildfires, the hard work to put them out, the equipment they use and how to help prevent wildfires. The volunteers were able to see and feel what the fire crew uses to put the wildfires out.

This was a very fun and educational event. Thank you to all the volunteers, DNR staff and Smokey Bear.